Is a Coyote a Type of Dog? Can They Be Domesticated? (Vet-Verified FAQs & Facts)
The coyote is a wild animal native to the United States and can be found almost anywhere, especially if you live in a rural area. Many people wonder if a coyote is a type of dog because they look so similar. In the broad sense, coyotes are dogs since they are both canines. However, there are many differences between the two. It is possible to domesticate a coyote; however, owning one is illegal in many states. Keep reading as we compare these canines.
Is a Coyote a Dog?
Coyotes are part of the Canidae family, which includes dogs, foxes, coyotes, jackals, and wolves. All these animals have similar qualities and can look alike if you see them from a distance, which can confuse some people and even put them in danger, especially if there are many wild canines in your area.
How Is a Coyote Similar to a Dog?
Besides their appearance, coyotes are also opportunistic scavengers that eat similar food dogs would if left on their own. They are facultative carnivores, which means their diet is based on animal proteins but also some plant matter. This allows coyotes to shift their diet to what is locally or seasonally available, including small mammals, birds, vegetation, and even insects.
While there are several different subspecies of coyotes, most are also about the same size as many popular dog breeds, like the Border Collie, Blue Heeler, Australian Shepherd, and Spanish Water Dog.
A coyote might even bark like a dog, and they can act similarly. They both spend most of their day sniffing the ground and following trails and use their tail to communicate a wide range of signals and emotions.
How Is a Coyote Different From a Dog?
Coyotes are wild animals that do not know how to interact with humans and will not be friendly. If you are familiar with dog tracks, you will notice that coyote tracks tend to be in straight lines and feature their long, thin toes. Coyotes also tend to be much thinner than dogs, partly because they need to hunt for food, and their legs appear longer because their chest isn’t as deep.
Can I Domesticate a Coyote?
Yes, it is possible to domesticate a coyote, and you can even purchase one from a breeder. If you train them properly, they could become a good pet. However, owning one is illegal in many states, so you must check with your local authorities if you are thinking about getting one. Also, be aware that coyotes need a large amount of space to run around, and you won’t be able to walk them like a dog. They might also be aggressive toward other pets and strangers.
Will Coyotes Hunt Dogs?
It depends. A coyote usually sticks to smaller prey, like rabbits, turkeys, rodents, etc. They also eat a wide variety of fruits and berries that grow wild. However, when a coyote is close to a human population, they might choose to attack a domestic pet, like a cat or small dog, or get into your garden searching for vegetables.They will usually avoid larger dogs unless they are extremely hungry or if several coyotes are hunting in a pack. Large dog breeds, especially those trained as guard dogs, can effectively scare off a coyote.
Is a Coyote Smarter Than a Dog?
There is no clear answer to this, though we know that eastern coyotes carry wolf genes that improve their intelligence—possibly over dogs—and help them maintain a large size that enables them to take down whitetail deer, which is unusual compared to the smaller coyotes in the west. The fact is that their intelligence has helped them survive and spread through a wild area, all while taking advantage of the human-dominated landscapes, so they are obviously very smart.
Conclusion
Coyotes and dogs are part of the Canidae family but are different animals. While they look similar and could eat many of the same foods, their respective behaviors are much different. Coyotes are aggressive, wild animals that spend much of their time hunting. They will sometimes attack larger animals if several coyotes are hunting in a pack. Although a breeder can sell you a domestic coyote to keep as a pet, it will need a significant amount of space, and it won’t behave like a dog. Owning one is also illegal in many states, so you must know your local laws before buying one.
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Featured Image Credit: Frans van Heerden, Pexels
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Ed Malaker is a seasoned writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs covering everything from tools to guitars, and pets to fitness. When Ed isn't writing, he is usually making DIY projects around the house or working in the garden.
